Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum 2017

The distinctive richness of the Eastern Himalayas can be attributed to its colorful biodiversity, numerous niche ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Understanding the dynamics, structure, and functioning of these systems adds an enormous complexity to not only their conservation and restoration, but also in engaging stakeholders and finding innovative long-term solutions.

Founded on the principle, “Real Innovation happens at the edges of disciplines”, the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum provides a platform to foster multi-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. Launched under the aegis of ‘Asian Elephants in the Wild Talk’ and ‘Balipara Foundation Awards’, in 2016, it was rebranded as the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum, to expand the conversations beyond single-species conservation.

Thus far, the forum has seen the participation of over 1400 individuals from 20+ countries, and representatives from 22 Indian States,including Scientists, Botanists, Conservationists, Ecologists, Administrators, Government and Forest Department officials. This multi-disciplinary group discussed a broad swathe of issues with a special focus on the plight of Asian Elephants in the wild and in captivity.

Looking at 2017

To further elevate this dialogue, Balipara Foundation is delighted to announce the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum,2017. The Forum will be held on 2nd and 3rd November 2017, in Guwahati, Assam, India.

At the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum, 2017, the conversations will revolve around the theme of Communities, Conservation and Botany. The plenary sessions will explore the role of Botany and Communities in the Conservation of ecosystems through the lens of Naturenomics™, Innovation and Information.

The conference will serve as a platform to explore the importance of conservation in our world of botany, to understand the role of the Guardians of Creation and how they are engaging in conservation in a way that supports their local economies and livelihoods and, exploring reforms required in governance & policy that can have an impact on making conservation more participatory, hence, more effective.

Communities, Universities, Government, Non-Profits, Donors and Media Professionals from around the world will engage in a dialogue to explore business models, policy reforms, technology, etc., to identify drivers and innovative ideas for community conservation.

Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum 2017– Plenaries

DAY 1: BACK TO THE FUTURE

REWILDING THE TRUMPET

Elements Essential for Developing and Implementing Keystone Species Conservation Programmes, using the Elephant as a Mascot

The focus of the session lies in creating a viable platform for global stakeholders from Elephant Science and Conservation to come together for the purpose of networking, collaborating, and brainstorming integrated solutions and targeted action plans for the preservation and conservation of this most iconic species.

EASTERN HIMALAYAN BIOCULTURAL DIVERSITY PRESERVATION PROGRAMMES

Learning from the People of Land

This session will explore Conservation through the world of botany, address issues and evangelize innovative ideas for Community-based Conservation.

THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

The Classroom is Wild

Natural Spaces have significant benefits for everyone. But how do you go about creating one? This session will enhance and exchange practical and effective ideas for incorporating nature play and knowledge into our programs and curriculum. We will explore innovative models of education for sustainability through community-integrated, entrepreneurial learning in a natural environment.

STORYTELLERS ON THE FRONTLINE

The Role of Print, Social & Digital Media in Conservation

This session will explore the role of media in shaping environmental awareness, relevance of responsible reporting and engaging story-telling to reach out to the masses.

REFORMING ECONOMIES

This session will explore the topics of creating a valuation model of our natural assets and alternative ways in which we can finance conservation efforts. We will explore alternative business models such as crowdfunding, impact investing to build social impact funds, etc.

ACTIVISM IN SHAPING POLICIES

This session will explore reforms required in governance & policy that will have a lasting impact on making conservation more participatory, hence, more effective. We will explore how we can leverage effective and inclusive policies for ecosystems.

DAY 2: RURAL FUTURES- CONCEPTS, NETWORKS & ACTIONS

CONCEPT – RURAL FUTURES FOR CATALYSING CONSERVATION EFFORTS

RuFu is a holistic plan encompassing all human needs and one, which allows wildlife to thrive alongside. The objective is to develop implementation plans for RuFu.

Some of the themes would be – Water Accessibility, Turning Waste to Wealth, Green Energy, Education Reforms, Sustainable Housing, Local Economies, Transportation, Technology & Healthcare.

Balipara Foundation Awards

Since 2013, Balipara Foundation has highlighted and invested in the efforts of societal entrepreneurs who are working tirelessly to create social, economic and environmental impact in protecting the essential natural resources and restoring the beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. Through the awards, we seek to focus the spotlight on these ecological crusaders and their work by publishing the case-studies of their work. Since inception, they have highlighted over 53 case studies ranging from the protection of endangered species and threatened habitats to the promotion of environmental education, tourism, products and services, emphasizing the interdependence between nature and ecology.

The Balipara Foundation Awards known this year as the Balipara Foundation Social Impact and Entrepreneurial Recognition, Awards 2017 features the Rabindranath Barthakur Memorial Lecture Series which invites speakers to inspire and energize these ecological crusaders. This memorial lecture series has featured eminent speakers such as Dr. Ashok Khosla, Mr. Shyam Saran and Professor Gunter Pauli. In 2016, the lecture was delivered in a unique jugalbandi between Mr. S Ramadorai (Technology) with renowned flautist Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia and Mrs. Mala Ramadorai (Music).

This year, Balipara Foundation Awards will be held on the evening of 3rd November, 2017 where we will recognize 10 new ecological crusaders from the Eastern Himalayas.

We seek your continued participation and long-term support for the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum and Balipara Foundation Awards 2017.

The Annual Balipara Foundation Award
The Naturenomics™ Award
The Green Legal/ Journalist Award
The Eastern Himalayan Conservation Award
The Green Guru Award
The Young Naturalist Award
The Food for the Future Award
The Nature Conservancy Award
The Lifetime Service Award
Special Category – Rangers of the Eastern Himalayas Award